lululemon vs LVMH

Lululemon Q2 Sales Fall, Store Expansion Slowed

Lululemon reported disappointing Q2 results, with net revenue down 4% to $2.4 billion and a 20% decline in its signature leggings sales. The company reduced its store expansion plans to 35 net new stores for 2026, down from the prior 40, and cut full-year revenue guidance. Gross margin expanded due to tariff refunds, but net income dropped 11%. Incoming CEO Heidi O'Neill, a former Nike executive, will face challenges as the company struggles with declining demand for athleisure. Analysts urge a strategic pause in expansion and a refocus on core products.

• Lululemon's Q2 net revenue fell 4% to $2.4 billion.
• Leggings sales plunged 20% in Q2.
• Store expansion reduced to 35 net new locations for 2026.

Lululemon comms chief exits ahead of new CEO start

Lululemon said Chief Communications Officer Bill Chandler will leave the company on Sept. 4 to "pursue other opportunities," a departure that comes days before incoming CEO Heidi O’Neill joins on Sept. 8. Chandler had spent more than seven years at Lululemon, according to his LinkedIn. The exit follows the earlier departure of Chief AI and Technology Officer Ranju Das and has prompted analyst concern about C-suite turnover; BNP Paribas senior analyst Laurent Vasilescu warned there may be further departures. Lululemon said it has "talented teams and leaders in place" and will continue investing in talent during the transition.

• Lululemon Chief Communications Officer Bill Chandler will leave the company on Sept. 4 to "pursue other opportunities."
• Incoming CEO Heidi O'Neill is scheduled to join Lululemon on Sept. 8.
• Bill Chandler spent more than seven years at Lululemon in various communications roles, according to his LinkedIn.

SeaWheeze Half Marathon and Sunset Festival Returns to Vancouver

lululemon announces the return of the SeaWheeze Half Marathon and Sunset Festival to Vancouver on August 14, 2026.

Mark Ritson: Working-Class Kids Need Confidence

Mark Ritson, a marketing professor and founder of MiniMBA, shares his journey from a working-class upbringing in Whitehaven to success. In an interview with The Drum's Lynn Lester, he discusses how class and confidence shaped his career. Ritson emphasizes that intelligence is not the differentiator; rather, self-belief and expectations placed on children are crucial. He offers advice to working-class kids: 'No one's any better than you.' His story highlights the impact of parental support and the importance of believing in oneself to overcome social barriers.

• Mark Ritson grew up in Whitehaven, West Cumbria.
• He won a scholarship to Wharton and taught at London Business School.
• He founded MiniMBA.

Nike appoints Alexandre Arnault to board

Nike announced that Alexandre Arnault, deputy CEO of LVMH's wine and spirits division Moët Hennessy, will join its board of directors. Arnault, who has held his current role since February 2025, previously oversaw LVMH's acquisition of Rimowa and has experience at Tiffany & Co. and McKinsey. The appointment is part of Nike's efforts to strengthen innovation and brand building amid a protracted turnaround, intense competition in activewear, and slowing lifestyle demand. The company has also recently reset its online distribution in China, launched the Studio Fleece line, named a new CFO, and appointed a commercial chief. Arnault's luxury expertise is expected to help Nike deepen consumer connections and drive long-term growth.

• Alexandre Arnault, deputy CEO of LVMH's Moët Hennessy, joins Nike's board of directors.
• Nike Executive Chairman Mark Parker praised Arnault's reputation for helping iconic global brands evolve and grow.
• Nike recently lost its place on the S&P 100 and is undergoing a complex global turnaround.

Football Stars Boost Luxury Handbag Demand

Male professional footballers — notably Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé — are increasingly photographed carrying high-end designer handbags, giving luxury houses extra visibility as sales soften in key markets. LVMH and Kering each reported roughly 3% year‑on‑year revenue declines in the first half, with Kering group revenue at €7.2bn from January–June and Gucci contributing about €2.8bn (down ~9%). Brands are leveraging players’ global reach and ambassador roles to push a growing 'man‑bag' segment: Haaland’s Birkin collection is estimated at €1.1m, and players often appear with Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana pieces. Industry analysis (via Bloomberg/Bain & Co.) estimates only about a quarter of the luxury‑handbag market is male, indicating significant room to expand demand through these celebrity-driven channels.

• LVMH reported a 3% year‑on‑year revenue decline in the first half; its share recently hit a six‑year low and is down roughly 26% year‑to‑date.
• Kering reported a 3% revenue decline for the first half; group revenue January–June was €7.2bn, with Gucci contributing about €2.8bn (down ~9% versus the prior half-year).
• Erling Haaland’s collection of Birkin bags is estimated at €1.1m; he and other players have been photographed with Hermès and Dolce & Gabbana pieces.